Control Explained - The Oldest House Cold War

[@elessal]

the lore in this game is just epic

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It really is! There are so many layers waiting to be peeled back.

[@peterfazio9306]

Agreed. It's games like these that will always guarantee I stay a gamer.

[@JRussellDay]

@J. Francis Ward lol it's just the annihilation/southern reach books as a game, though yes I think perhaps more thought was put into this.

[@lou9511]

​@@JRussellDay I've been thinking this since I played control. area x as an altered world event!!

[@lou9511]

​@JRussellDay plus you can't bring modern tools weapons or devices into area x, very similar

[@rlime]

Dr. Ash had one of the best character arcs, trough just audio logs and notes

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Right!? From a disillusioned Engineer just going through the motions to a man chosen by The House to defend it. All we know is he left the bureau in 1995 when darling was took the position. I wonder if we will see him again.

[@dsinghr]

They should make a tv series on this.

[@HeirofAzaran]

@@dsinghr AGREED

[@dr-amethyst-77]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Since Northmoor’s alive, Ash can be too. Jesse could visit him to see what can be done about the Board leeching off the House

[@Whoo_shem]

@@GamingUniversityUoG i think we will see him again

[@yellowbat79]

I can see why this video took a bit longer than usual to make. The most detailed breakdown of that era of the FBC I've seen. Great job!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks buddy! It is definitely a fascinating period that sets the groundwork for what I believe may be a looming battle Jesse must face.

[@NicolasDominique]

So it seems Former was right all along. They can't be trusted. Also, I wonder how The Oldest House looked before its brutalist form and the era of skyscrapers in New York City. And it's good to hear you in another video. It was worth the wait.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

The sad part is I don't fully trust the Former either. It has shown it is fine with killing people as well. RIP Phillip. But It may be an enemy of my enemy situation. No clue. I'm glad to be back with Control too! Took a little break to focus on other games but I have a few Control videos lined up!

[@observer2484]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Enemy of my enemy is enemy of my enemy.

[@leonfrancis3418]

I imagine it looked like a massive tree in a forest.

[@qpqrkjq]

Every damn time I forget about all my obsession with the lore and it becomes easy to wait for AW2 or whatever the next Remedyverse game is, you pull me right back in!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Haha once you get aboard the Remedyverse hype train you can't get off! I do what I can to keep us going until a new game comes out.

[@stroblaizer]

I didn’t want this video to end!! I need more!!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I swear I could make hour long videos on these topics if I got deep in every aspect of them lol.

[@TheLevitatingFleem]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Shit nobody would complain either. Go MauLer level dawg

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Lmao! I'll take that under advisement.

[@Tumbledweeb]

Emily is following in Ash Jr. Footsteps. She had mentioned that Ash is her personal hero. Like Ash, Emily is an amazing scientist! And also like Ash, the Board has tried to shoo her away! You should tell about these things, Jesse. She'd fangirl out HARD about it!

[@permaugh]

I love how you are able to articulate the lore. I remember paying attention to the notes and audio recordings from The foundation dlc, but wasn't clearly able to understand it as much as I did after watching this. As well as your other Control lore videos. Keep it up ❤️❤️

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

All the collectibles are dropped like a puzzle, all over the place. Half the fun of this game and franchise in general is trying to put them together. Glad I could help!

[@themindset4164]

I ended up missing like audio tapes 4-6 😭 I also never encountered the ID while playing so this video put a lot of stuff in context for me. But I knew I couldn't trust the board and that the house didn't want the board interfering with it at the very least.

[@cobra29935]

13:53 "his exposure began to change him" Dr ash: "I have changed" I dont know why that made me laugh as hard as it did.

[@zombiehippo9477]

I've actually quoted Dr Ash even though he is a fictional character. His theories on pyramid shapes was very interesting to me.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Same here. Doctor Ash is the character I relate to the most honestly.

[@cloudburn498]

this should be on netflix....cant stop watching

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I really appreciate the support! On a side note having a Netflix Budget to work on these videos would be incredible.

[@Kitsune44X]

For something in the same vein as Control, find "The Lost Room" or "Warehouse 13." Both TV shows, LR being something of a concept that eventually became W13, though I don't think they shared any real relationship outside both being on Scifi Channel back in the day. Then of course there's the SCP, something that could only have come from the Internet but is a great rabbit hole of a wiki to drop down.

[@Obsidiano69]

This is exactly the type of video I was looking for after finishing the game. The concepts were so crazy I felt genuinely nervous as I had no idea what was about to come next. Great video!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks! Yeah the game itself is absolutely crazy. I love it.

[@ivansanjivlazar7677]

Hey bud, thank you so much for your channel. As someone who specializes and lectures on narrative structures of stories across media, CONTROL remains a fascinating case study and I am more than overjoyed with the fact that I have someone like you leading the way in unravelling the mystery that is CONTROL. I cannot thank you enough for the sense of wonder and Awe with which I can now experience CONTROL because of your videos. Thanking you once again, may the learning and the dreaming always stay new and fresh, Wising you well, Ivan :)

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You are very welcome! I am fascinated by how storytellers weave narratives together in an artistic way as well. One of the interesting ways Control handles it is rather than tell us the story, it invites us into the story and gets us to try to figure out what is happening. You have a great weekend and stay well!

[@-Blasz-]

Wow, Just Wow, after playing Alan Wake a few years ago, this is the next Remedy game I played, just finish the game and expansions today, and I was blown away by the lore. I knew it was more deep content, but never imagine it was so deep, I just binge watched your videos, Im looking foward to more of your videos cause im alredy hook with this Remedyverse. Great channel man! If you are looking for a deep, crumble lore game for future content, Horizon zero dawn its amazing, and with the incoming secuel I must say that game its worth to explore and exctract hidden lore all over the place. I would say its similar to Control on the deep lore and human behaviour analysis.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I absolutely love Horizon: Zero Dawn. It is definitely on my list to cover in the future. Glad you made it into the Remedy fandom! There is so much cool stuff in their games.

[@Barbaroossa]

This game has such freaking deep lore, holy shit, it's like every stone you turn over reveals more and more layers.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

The more we explore the more we find. It is crazy how much stuff is here

[@yakov9ify]

After just finishing the foundation WOW is this guy my new favorite character in this world. You can just hear how much he cares for this world now.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It may sound weird but even though he never made it into the Main Game in person, I always enjoyed him. Down in research there was a plaque with a quite by him. I was so intrigued back then about him I was really excited to see he played a bigger role in this dlc.

[@yakov9ify]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I never noticed that plaque before actually and it's even more amazing to see how far in the past they built his lore. This game is so well made.

[@Izual739]

Man, I love these videos so much! makes me want to jump back into the oldest house from scratch.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That's what I did on this one! Replayed through the whole game in preparation for this and a new series of videos.

[@Izual739]

@@GamingUniversityUoG awesome, can't wait to see what you create next!

[@matthewt5573]

It's interesting because for all intents and purposes, the board themselves are no different than the human members of the Bureau, just residents of the Oldest House. It seems more likely the House came to be from the coalescing of energy from the laylines, gaining sentients as it grew and was slowly given shape by the humans and animals viewing it. When their was no men around it was a tree in the forest. When men came and built skyscrapers it became a skyscraper. It also explains the ID. The board may have seen the influence of man on the House and tried to create a shape they could influence to try to explore/control it. Then failing that creating the Service Weapon so as to control the House through the Director. Fantastic lore

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

They really are. One of the Hotlines when describing the 4 locks that were damaged seems to suggest they latched onto the House to keep them alive. Weird implications there. The whole ID thing reminds me of the old Indrid Cold folklore. He was also known as the Smiling Man. It was a really creepy image but it was said he smiled like that because he knew smiling puts humans at ease and tried to mimic it. Sadly it did it wrong and freaked people out. I feel the ID are rough approximations of humans since the Board didn't know the shape too well.

[@nowiamincollege]

wow, the more you dig the more you find connection to the game's title, "control"

[@miracon000fez]

@@nowiamincollege yep everyone wanted control. The Board, The hiss, The former. it seems fitting that jesse a person didn't look for control was the one to gain it in the end

[@mish375]

​@@miracon000fezThat's why Ahti chose her: he knew she wanted to serve others, not seek her own power. He also points out that she she's an independent thinker which makes her question things, so he feels she is perfect for the job. Given that Ahti is a being that humans interpret as a god, we can assume in the Control Universe that he has far more power than anyone else in the story. He would be even higher than the Board, but serves others as a janitor cleaning up everyone's messes. Aka, he makes sure the universe doesn't collapse and may have been the one who summoned Jesse to the House to keep the Board in check.

[@miracon000fez]

@@mish375 glad he's on his well deserved vacation. Even ocean gods need to relax .

[@christophercomtois7175]

Thank you for putting this all together I found all this info but sometimes it's hard to put the story together when you take some much time to play it and with all the combat in between. Great to finally hear it all laid out so I can get my head around it.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You got it! I agree about having the gameplay mixed in with the lore exploration. It took me a few playthroughs to start putting more of this together.

[@movax20h]

Great video. By the time I got to the Fundation chapter, I was a bit tired, and didn't pay attention to all the recording. Nice to have it all organized with clarity.

[@keatonsmith5783]

I wonder if the nail has another meaning like it is whats holding the connection from the Board to the oldest house. Like a nail through two boards holds them together. The top of the nail looks like it would fit perfectly into the tip of the inverted pyramid almost like the nail was shot down through the ceiling into the foundation of the oldest house and thats how the Board maintains its connection/infection.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Either that or the part of what it is that can be perceived in this reality is the Nail and the part that can be perceived it the Astral plane is the pyramid. Hard to say really. Most of this will remain up for interpretation.

[@braden-ft8ti]

The awesome use of Jungian archetypes and other psychological concepts make this game seem so familiar and yet so esoteric. This game, and your series of videos are fully engrossing and amazing!!!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I think that is Control's strength. Despite being incredible esoteric and lovecraftian they make the world feel very grounded at the same time. Internal memos about bathrooms vanishing or their overtime hours complaints. Little details really do this story wonders.

[@chetan8454]

Your channel is stunning. As someone who spent so much time 100%ing the game, which also involved reading nearly all the collectibles, I found myself wondering "Damn! Is anyone talking about how in depth the lore is?". And then I found this channel!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I am frankly shocked more people haven't done content on the lore of this series. I feel in the next few years there will be more. But if you're looking for another creator go check out Max Derrat. He has some good control content.

[@naprox3n_offline]

And Thanks for replying to the comments. I'm reading these like a q&a session and it kind of serves as an expansion to the generous efforts of your video.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Absolutely! I try my best to respond to every comment just so that we can have a discussion together. I think it is great that my personal position has shifted on some things from hearing that feedback of everyone. Having different eyes on a topic helps out a lot.

[@joeinzinga6123]

This is a really good video. Never put together that the board was trying to make themselves seem older really cool

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you! Yeah trying to make yourself appear more powerful than you really are is an easy way to coerce others. Sun Tzu knew that.

[@cydude5856]

Ash's arc mirrors that of Darling's. Both heads of research went against their directors and The Board. Darling's story never delves that far into conflict against The Board, but Darling definitely fought against a parasite that tried to convince everyone that it was a savior.

[@andrewk9267]

Great video, you're getting me hype for Control 2 (fingers crossed!)

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I am so ready for Control 2!

[@Suzy9MM]

I just gotta say that you have the best comment section on KZbin my friend, fascinating reading and discussion is what ya want!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Haha thanks! Personally my favorite part of this whole YT endeavor is chatting with everyone in the comments and having nice conversations.

[@KDB349]

So it seems that in a way, The Oldest House is good and The Board is evil? Man you're making me love and understand this game more and more. It's very much appreciated.

[@christophercomtois7175]

So with all the other directors falling to the power I wonder what truly makes jesse different is it just polaris or her personality or are we headed towards her fall to. I truly hope no conflict arise between the new director and the new head of research I love those two together.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Northmoor was a political appointment so he probably spent a lifetime in the search of power. Trench shows signs of taking power begrudgingly. He refused to play the game but made the bureau a legit bureaucracy. This type of rigid structure is brittle and easily cracked as seen when he was taken by The Hiss. It all immediately shattered. Jesse, in my opinion, had no desire for power just like Trench, but accepted it by the end of the story. Take Control. But she has had that sense of wonder and wanting to figure it all out. Pope is the same. Between the two they have a more fluid way of thinking. I trust these two can make the long journey.

[@Voltaic_Fire]

Jesse spent all her adult life and a good portion of her childhood fighting the government, never staying in one place, never getting too close to people, always looking for revenge and to rescue Dylan. Polaris being attached to her may have facilitated her journey but it was not the driving force, that was her personality and I think it is that personality which sets her apart. We see it in The Foundation DLC, Jesse becomes disillusioned with The Board because they are another faceless authority that seeks to control her, this sentiment may have been egged on by The Former but it was already there.

[@efxnews4776]

Jesse doesn't trust FBC as a whole, to her the destruction that the Hiss caused was actually a good thing, it cleansed the house with fire, so she could reborn the FBC as a Phoenix. You can noticed that she trusts in Langley that was probably the author of the Tennyson report, urging the FBC to go back to it's esoteric roots. Jesse seems to inspire people around her to act naturally, away from the rigid burocratic norms of FBC. I sure Jesse would lead through example.

[@AaronBiswas]

​​@@GamingUniversityUoGI just don't want jesse and pope to get into a lesbian relationship. The game has fantastic lore and I really wish the developers to focus on the mysteries and stuff.

[@nikolasperez7745]

​@AaronBiswas I highly doubt it but that's a...specific thing to not want.

[@irishsoldier5929]

This cold war was a very interesting element in the DLC. Dr. Ash feels like an intriguing character indeed. I wish we could see more of him. Though, I was terrified when I found out what happened to Northmoor. Arish remarks to one of the lads at central executive that he couldn't find a date of death in Northmoor's file. He could be still alive, contained in the center of the NSC powerplant forever. Creeps me out..

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

One thing that may make it even creepier is Northmoor almost broke free of the NSC during the main game. In the main story quest where Jesse has to repair the coolant pumps and energy converters, she is unknowingly repairing the NSC to make sure he stays under control. The Hiss were damaging them to try and get to Northmoor and corrupt him. Luckily Ahti had a good assistant to take care of it before we had a Hiss-Corrupted Northnoor running around.

[@irishsoldier5929]

Woah.. Not only will he be crazy powerful, but also the FBC will lose its main power source. Thank God for Jesse.. and Ahti.

[@dsinghr]

This game is unbelievable. Remedy got some brilliant people. God bless them

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

They amount and time and care they put into this is incredible.

[@supermufasa21]

Wonder if Remedy will continue the trend of Director vs Head of research. Probably why they make Pope is so quirky and likable so the eventual conflict between her and Jesse will be more heart wrenching.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I certainly hope not. I hope that Jesse and Emily put an end to this cycle.

[@isdrakon9802]

Considering the way they are, I doubt there will be much disagreement on anything besides Jessie taking to many risks, something I don't think will happen once everything is under control considering that's how trench went out

[@ThEsOuNdInYoU]

This game is so fascinating, it feels like scp but way better. It holds so many mysteries, this universe could be expanded so much.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I haven't dived into SCP much but yeah Control feels more focused in its weirdness.

[@ABirdOnTheMoon]

This messed with my understanding of the board .. ohhh what an interesting thing. While playing and listening to Ash, I was conflicted between him being a crazy scientist and Northmoor being a greedy director .. I wasn't sure where the board stands but this clarifies a lot of it; especially when listening to all of it at once.

[@mango_beel]

all of these videos are so well made, thank you so much for making these. this makes me want to play through the foundation dlc even more

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you! I appreciate it. Glad you enjoy these

[@braydenganger7656]

At 15:15 He says "a 21st century office building" given he originally went down to the Foundation in the 60's...was this just an error in the script or is it saying something more? I doubt he really had a way to keep track of time (long-term at least) but that seems strange for there to be oversight on such a major detail that it made it all the way to the final cut

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Personally I think it is an error in the script.

[@Jigsawn2]

Great lore vid. I did find the notes etc in the DLC but it was good to have it all collated here and it makes a lot more sense now!

[@hdguy5]

Great video; just 100 percented the Foundation and AWE DLC so looking to add some meaning to the things I didn’t understand - I’ve found the channel that I am going to binge! Cheers 🍻

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Cheers man. Welcome aboard the Remedy Train

[@comichero2228]

Another great video. I can’t get enough of your analysis videos, man. You’re awesome and I can’t wait for the next analysis.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks buddy!

[@Neb_Raska]

One of your best videos so far. Amazing work.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I really appreciate it Neb!

[@TheOttomatic91]

Wow completely missed the part about the Board pretending to be older than they actually are had no idea they faked the prehistoric drawings. The Foundation made it clear to me there will be a civil war with Jesse against the Board in the sequel but I still don’t trust Former I can see it turning on Jesse after she’s outlived her usefulness. I wonder how Ahti fits into all this and if he was the ‘warm’ presence Dr Ash felt in the Foundation, man there’s so much great lore in this game can’t wait for whatever Remedy makes next.

[@tonts5329]

Well we know Ahti is a paranatural entity that is outside the control or influence of The Board, The Former, The Dark Presence/Shaded and the Hiss. And is actively opposed to many of these outside forces, such as The Mold. Notably he gave Jesse tasks that involved reducing the influence and negative effects of these intruding forces. He seems to move wherever he wishes and was able to let Jesse into the Oldest House, despite the lockdown. He is to be able to create paranatural objects/altered items. Like the Television that was able to pacify the ID down in the Foundation and probably the walkman/headset, worn when Jesse is navigating the Smoking Room maze. Since he takes the guise/form of a janitor, someone that maintains and keeps the Oldest House running. It's probably safe to assume he is aligned with the Oldest House and its goals, rather than those of the Board. Given Former is not aligned to the Board anymore and also assisted Jesse, it's possibly aligned itself with the Oldest House at least loosely. And probably still has its own agenda. Former is initially hostile to Jesse and the FBC because they have been the tools/puppets of The Board. Using the Fridge altered item as a means to attack the Board's agents. It changes tactics and begins to assist Jesse in the Foundation, presumably as it views her as someone who can remove the Board from the House? Allowing it to fill in the power vacuum or establish its own board? Beings like The Board and the Former can't seem to directly attack or control things inside the House and World at large. Requiring Altered Items, Objects/Places of power and agents whom they bribe with gifts like the Service weapon. In order to establish their own limited control within the Oldest House itself and the world at large. It's possible that Chester Blessed and the Blessed Group have a similar relationship that the FBC has with the Board. Having their own paranatural power player. If Control showed us one thing, it's that there are a lot of parantural organisations/groups/entities that are all vying for power and control.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Ahti is definitely aligned with the Oldest House. I am curious if he was originally an average Human but like Dr. Ash became attuned to the House itself. Except Ash left and went upstairs while Ahti stayed and developed into this paranatural entity. This would have happened long before the Bureau found it. Maybe when it was still a tree. Just a thought. I'm still trying to determine where the Former fits into it all. Its actions have been neutral so far. We know it had a small relationship with Ash but that only tells us so much. I have another video in the works elaborating on the Blessed Organization and their role in the story. If I was in the writers room I know what I would do for Control 2!

[@tonts5329]

@@GamingUniversityUoG The Ahti attunement theory actually fits in nicely with what we've seen occur to other people. The Hiss is infectious, so when it attunes to humans it takes full control of their bodies. Forces them to attune to it and their bodies presumably mutate or are adapted by the Hiss to fill various roles. It also turns altered items/objects of power hostile as it forces them to attune to itself. We only have one case of a willing infection of the Hiss, Dylan seems to be attuned to the Hiss to some capacity and retains more of his mental faculties as a result. He was also used by the Hiss to directly attack the Board in the Astral Plane. Polaris gradually attunes itself to humans, so that they can retain control and resist the Hiss's own resonance and maybe generate their own? Dr. Darling has likely attuned and become an entirely new paranatural entity. And Jesse is able to generate her own resonance that cancels out the Hiss's own. Replacing Hedron as the source of the Polaris resonance in that reality. The Dark Presence, like the Hiss is infectious and assumes control of humans, forcing them to attune to it. They are different types of infection, so they don't fight one another or burn each other out. Much like how a person could potentially be sick with two different diseases. Together they seem to colaborate and improve the other. One normal shaded/taken from Alan Wake, elevated to a much more powerful paranatural entity that could be an endgame boss on its own. Perhaps in the next Alan Wake, we'll see more of this kind of collaboration with malevolent forces? Mr. Scratch enhanced by Hiss Resonance sounds like he'd be a particularly tough boss. Or maybe the 'Light' from Alan Wake enhanced by Jesse's own Polaris Resonance, could help fight against such entities? I'm not sure if the 'Light Presence' is a thing on its own, or merely a narrative construct made by Alan to fight back the Dark Presence. It presumably offers support and power to people like Alan, but is ultimately weaker or smaller than the Dark Presence overall? Or is merely a small influence in the Dark Place, but might have a larger influence in a 'Light Place' that parallels the Dark one? Regardless the only one it seems to have attuned to is Alan and Zane, who are the same person now. Presumably assisting Alan in his long struggle to stay sane and escape the Dark Place. Edit: Director Northmoor may be an example of what happens to someone that attuned to the Board and Astral Plane, becoming a source of unrestricted power of that realm? Nessecitating putting him in that storage sarcophagus. As far as we know, based on evidence in-game. Northmoor was a loyal agent of the Board, so they would have had no reason to alter him themselves. Director Trench might have undergone a similar transformation, had he not become influenced by the Hiss and killed himself. Also if Quantum Break is later added to the shared universe, then Shifters could be Parautilitarians who have attuned to chronon radiation, which manifests in a number of ways as seen in the events of Quantum Break.

[@TheLevitatingFleem]

Does anyone think The Former is based on an existing creature from myths or a completely original concept? I’ve seen a couple people on reddit say they think it could be The World Serpant, and I can’t argue with that as we haven’t seen the rest of his body but I’m not sure I think that’s the case. But there could be a creature from myth that I’m not familiar with.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

In terms of his physical appearance I think it is just a liberties taken to create an Eldritch species similar to a parasite. However, I have seen a lot of talk about the Former being compared to Lucifer or Prometheus.

[@BlazingOwnager]

This was actually quite an interesting video, because I read the situation literally 180 degrees the other way around; where Dr. Ash was losing his mind and getting corrupted by what lies in the Foundation and that Northmoor was the no-nonsense director to reel his insanity in and get the Berau functioning again and forced Ash back onto the straight and narrow. This is definitely interesting seeing another perspective on it.

[@crustyroach6921]

Great stuff dude! You make it awesome to watch the lore of this great action game. Entertainment and intrigue, with sprinkle a of opion & mystery

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you get a kick out of these!

[@Lutzifalilia]

In my opinion there is still a lot of things left unsaid or not properly explained, even with all the information given. There is so much potential to go deeper and further.. While documents and audio logs are important, I wouldve wished for more visual representations of what happened in the Bureau of Control and especially to Jesse.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I fully agree. Remedy has that style where they give us a puzzle with half the pieces missing and leave us to wonder what the picture on the box is.

[@efxnews4776]

I wish a prequel about the events that happened in Ordinary. The best parts of the game actually happened in my own head, i just keep thinking about the slide projector and all the slides that Jesse and Dylan saw, i want to see the lives of poor kids finding a magical device in the middle of the trash. The backstory of Jesse and Dylan is awesome, the whole Ordinary AWE is incredible, it reminds me of Stranger Things and It...

[@StardustBreaker1]

Very underrated channel dude. Subscribed.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks for the Subsribe man! I'm glad you enjoyed.

[@mikemobius9826]

An excellent video…really enjoyed it and the way you researched through the lore. I have to admit that since the Foundation DLC I see the Board more as an antagonist of some sort. Wouldn’t be surprised if one day it/they will be the unstoppable force that tries to invade…like the Hiss tried it as well.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I have an idea if what the Boards issue is. But there isn't enough info to say 100%. Basically, they exist as an entity that requires collective focus or 'worship' to survive. Much like in American Gods where the only way for a God to die is if no one remembers or worships them anymore. They attached on to the Oldest House like a parasite to feed off it and keep themselves alive. After the FBC showed up they convinced Northmoor they are all powerful and gave him a bit of power to make them believe it. Injecting themselves so deep into the bloodstream of the bureau gave then a ready source of worship.

[@COSMIC_ZA]

So the house wanted the bureau to get rid of the board? So the house is alive? If so then that could apply to all places of power... The Oceanview Motel and Casino is also a place of power. Is it alive too? Maybe places of power can communicate or something similar with each other. The door marked with the inverted black pyramid takes you back to the oldest house, so maybe the motel is also being tricked by the board and thinks that the house is part of the board as well.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It is really hard to say. Dr. Ash certainly believed that the House was alive. Saying he could feel its veins pumping beneath is feet. Stuff like that.

[@Napa2323....7]

Beat this game four times know, epic video man my goodness there better be a sequel.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh I fully believe there will be a sequel. With how successful Remedy was with this and the awards they won they will for sure keep this story going.

[@zwykyziomek2570]

Seems the Board didn't like Ash researching the Nail too much. Funny how in the last hotline message of the expansion they order/suggest Jesse firing Emily Pope 😄 The lore is very deep and multidimensional in this, I was really impressed with the base game and both DLCs.

[@TheTwit1995]

Beautiful work love the idea, keep it up your the best for control content!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks buddy! I will certainly keep them coming.

[@garyking1986]

More FBC lore vids please. I want to make myself an expert on the history of the Oldest House and the Board. Wiki pages don’t explain it as well as you do

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'll do what I can to assist! Yeah the Wiki only discusses confirmed information while I try to piece it together and make inferences. There is definitely more to come.

[@garyking1986]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I attend Uni and I can honestly say your tutorials are 10x more professional and effective than my usual classes

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That really means a lot to me. I appreciate it. One of my goals for this channel was to show that video games can be used as an effective medium to discuss these topics in an academic sense.

[@garyking1986]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Well you’re doing a damn good job of it

[@tylerlangridge6641]

absolutely love the control videos keep them coming

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You got it! Thank you for the support.

[@Anukii]

I was thirsting for his tapes, what a journey he took 💖

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Ash was the best part of the dlc for me

[@GameBoysUK]

Awesome content as always, loving that you're playing this one!! Have a great christmas folks!

[@GameBoysUK]

Control has some of my favourite lore going to be fair

[@camelloy]

I’m about a year late for this series but I just finished it and I’m loving every video y’all put out. This game is as deep as the archetypal pool

[@brentcharles9225]

I just played through Control and the DLC. These videos are really cool!!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you very much! Welcome to this crazy Remedy world.

[@zwykyziomek2570]

12:44 jesse's swearing always catches me off guard i love it lmao

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I laughed so hard when I heard that come out of her mouth. Yet again a moment of Jesse speaking what we are thinking.

[@justjonny6290]

Mabye the Former was the presence residing in the house before the Board. The Board then forcefully invaded and kicked the Former out. This would explain the name and the disagreement

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I really couldn't say on this. The history of the board and former is one of the biggest mysteries for me. Without more info I'm not sure.

[@trainman5675]

Ahti is the person who cares for the house more than the board

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

In my opinion the Board doesn't care for the house. They think of it like a prison and lifeboat

[@trainman5675]

@@GamingUniversityUoG exactly. Ahti clearly has his own agenda and seems to be playing the board while caring for the house. They don't mess with ahti but he messes with them

[@anom3102]

This is my favorite video on KZbin and you have mastered the lure of this game! I listen to this video at night as it is so calming and I never get tired of watching it! I’m a writer and would love to learn more! I would like to collaborate on a project if possible. All in all great channel!!!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That is a big compliment and I really appreciate it! That's really cool, I have always wanted to write my own stuff but never seem to have the time. Do you do fiction or non-fiction?

[@anom3102]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Both I’m working on helping people cope with anxiety issues at the moment.

[@anom3102]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I was also wondering if you could do a in depth video on Control points and how important they are! I would love to see your take on that subject.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh that is a great pursuit to go after! I hope you have great success with helping people in that way

[@anom3102]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Thank you! It’s my first of many publications! I want to start by helping people with an issue that I wasn’t as fortunate to have help with. After that I plan to learn more about the art of storytelling and psychology of the hero’s journey! Any suggestions? Thanks again!

[@TheEliasNoel]

I think the “warm” entity Ash felt was actually the Former.

[@TheCow74]

Just beat the game and it’s expansions, great video!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoyed the game.

[@guitarguy17wb59]

How does this man not have more subscribers??

[@trevor3013]

I've been waiting for more thank you 😁

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Haha you got it. More Control is on it's way!

[@BhodiSoft]

Northmoor’s letter to Ash ordering to leave the Foundation starts off with the sort of slash speak of the Board.

[@BhodiSoft]

Representative/liaison/benefactor

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh yeah Northmoor was injecting their speech into his. Trench did the same thing with hiss talk.

[@azurzelle]

Noo can't watch it yet because I didn't finish The Foundation. ToT I love this game so much, I want to take my time.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Take your time with it! This game is one to savor. Once you finish The Foundation come on back and tell me your experience with it.

[@MrWorstNews]

I haven't felt this was about a game since assassin's creed brotherhood. So much lore and it makes sense. A game based on depth, not skins and blind money grabs.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It's why I love studying it. So many layers of narrative and lore and symbolism. It's nuts.

[@leadroftherats8488]

Thank you for putting this together. I had trouble keeping up with all the names in documents in this game and videos like this make Control more and more interesting. I really hope they make a sequel.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

From everything I have seen a sequel is already in the works.

[@patrickwieczorek1635]

Another great video! What is your takeaway from all of this? I tried to follow along as closely as possible. Is the Board not good? Or is Ash saying to have a certain level of healthy skepticism when encountering the Board? I will probably have to rewatch this video, and this is completely fine.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Personally the Board has never been trustworthy. At the end of Foundation, they flat out threaten to take action against Pope if she remains there any longer. Luckily Jesse will ignore them unlike Northmoor who went crazy and would do anything they say like a puppy. Ash does not like them at all. Considers them a parasite. I wish we knew more. It seems like Ash has all the answers about this and we are left to try and piece it together.

[@patrickwieczorek1635]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Guess we will find out in Alan Wake 2/Control 2 (See what I did there? Classic Board lingo. Maybe they will call it Alan Wake 2: Control!?)

[@Falconpeep85]

Just started this amazing game a week ago, I’m so hooked on it. The world & lore are like crack to me.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Hey! Welcome to the rabbit hole that is Control. Yeah the world building here is nuts.

[@UltimegaSeven]

Very much a stretch, but I wonder if the Board got Trench's daughter sick to cut all ties outside, to mantain control.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

All Trench would say on the matter is he, "took work home with him". Whether he means literally or metaphorically, who knows.

[@III_phr]

11:32 : NORTHMOOR SARCOPHAGUS CONTAINER, am I the only one wondering what is this? and the three rules of the generator that must not be opened?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

This is the next script I'm working on. The NSC should be explained soon.

[@III_phr]

@@GamingUniversityUoG wow I'm so hyped!

[@flokic6541]

thank you very much for this video i really appreciate your work and the effort

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It's my pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@chairinspace7956]

I hope in the next remedy game the remedy universe gives us more mistery's/answers for control perhaps even a little aftermath

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

In proper fashion they will likely answer a couple things and pose 50 more questions.

[@preshrunk_cyberpunk5479]

The pyramid form is also an accurate representation of *almost* every human power structure. Corporations, banks, gov, cults, you name it.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

In a weird way I feel it is because a pyramid is one of the most structurally stable shapes. In many ways.

[@preshrunk_cyberpunk5479]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Stable? Certainly. Exploitative of those at the bottom of the pyramid? Absolutely.

[@psudodrake]

I know that some of the legends behind the people like Ahti are Finnish, but Vikings controlled more space than just Norway, and modern Finland was one of the places that fell under their domain. Reflecting on that, if you shift your perception to Norse Lore, some of the things in Control make a bit more sense. In the foundation, there is a pillar with a symbol on it that looks like a door. That symbol is decidedly Norse in origin, and I've seen it in reference to Odin descending beneath the Tree Yggdrasil to trade his eye for cosmic knowledge. Yggdrasil, the world tree, especially when reflected by Dr. Ash's wonderings if it had been a tree before it'd been a building, whether it could wander, is also a possibility on the basis of what I've seen in various points in the game. Perhaps the tree migrated, perhaps it changed itself into The Oldest Building. It's roots were known to reach into the "Foundation" of the world and would be prehistoric. Cosmic knowledge is associated with it, as is life, death, and the movement between the different planes of reality. I think Ahti is Odin and the Oldest House is the World Tree Yggdrasil. If I'm right... then beware ye the sleeping dragon Midgarsormr lest it devour the world...

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

On this note about the links to Norse Mythology I'd recommend checking out the video I have up about the Oldest House. It fully dives into this connection to Yggdrasil. Also an Alan Wake lecture on the Dark Place discusses this idea more. Ahti is definitely of the same namesake. Odin already exists in this setting as Odin Anderson. He alongside with his brother Tor are founding members of The Old Gods of Asgard metal band. Norse references go deep throughout Remedy games. Yggsrasil and Club Ragnarok in Max Payne and many others throughout the rest.

[@romeosvengalli]

Maybe the tall trees in Central Research atrium are the Oldest House/Tree. The structure/bureau building is a projection of the current collective unconsciousness by the tree as a protective measure. Perhaps the tree is Yggdrasill, explaining why there's thresholds/portals to other dimensions/realms. Maybe connected to the chosen name of the band Old Gods of Asgard?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh the oldest House/prison is absolutely the Yggrassil. Every branch, every leaf a different reality. The Old Gods, well let's just say I'm working on a script and video to address them.

[@M0YO]

it’s funny to me that i put this game off for 3 years dismissing it as just another power fantasy game. when i was looking for a game on the ps catalogue (such a blessing i got this experience for free) i said why not and downloaded control. I never knew it was a deep lore SCP inspired cosmic horror. genuinely the only game i’ve played where i’m reading EVERY document, listening to EVERY hotline. the immersion is some of the best i’ve ever seen in gaming period.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm glad you gave it a shot! Remedy are masters of crafting worlds. What I love about Control is the world building. The main story is only 10-15% of the plot presented here. It is absolutely muts what they accomplished with it.

[@zibus8456]

The imagery of the tree reminds me of Yddrasil/the World Tree from Norse mythology. The House is a Nexus of Threasholds, similar to how Yddrasil connects the 9 realms. Other Remedy games reference Norse myth as well.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

On that note I have a video just on the Oldest House / Tree comparisons

[@milliewilson1046]

1:13 I'm so glad someone noticed that too! Also the oldest house was found in 1964? If that's the case two altered items the water tank and I think the fan. Both altered items we don't interact with in the game but they both were contained before 1964. One was in 1958 and the other 1954. Why? And where did they keep those items. Who was director at the time? I lowkey think the background or paperwork or whatever you wanna call it is fraud too on both items.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

The simple answer is the FBC has been around long before they discovered the Oldest House. And I agree. I believe Northmoor revised official documents to change the perception of him being chosen but also censoring any details about the Foundation per the Board's request.

[@milliewilson1046]

@@GamingUniversityUoG oooh! That's a good theory too. My theory kinda goes like this... there are other directors besides trench, noorthmore and ash senior. Those were the only director we were introduced too. But if you look in the executive sector office where Emily is at, we see pictures of all the directors. Why doesnt anyone talk about all the other directors. (Also not all the documents have sent and recieved notes attached. We don't know if some of those letters were originally sent by past directors.) But that doesnt explain where they kept the water tank or the fan. How did they put altered items in contaminant back before they had the oldest house. (That sounds like a clue about why they were even remotely invited into the oldest house in the first place. But the bigger picture of the question, why did the borad want the water tank or the fan so much that they let humans into the oldest house?)

[@maxisalamone]

The Board found the Oldest House, and they use it. Same as the Bureau.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Sounds about accurate. So many in the Bureau keep thinking they are innate to the house when the evidence suggests otherwise

[@chetan8454]

Also, would you happen to know what the name of the document was that established that the paintings are indeed, modern? Or was it a Pope dialogue? I forget

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I believe Ash mentioned it somewhere. I'll have to double check which it was when I get off work. Try Cave Paintings or the related documents for now.

[@HaloLibrarian]

Weird that he calls is a 21st century office building despite being in the 20th. Probably just an error.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Yeah that sounds like it. I didn't notice that actually. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[@brentlucke8713]

My guess is that he considered it futuristic... but likely just a mistake since brutalism as an architectural style peaked in the 50s-60s.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It's possible. We dont know if the building looked the same now as it did in 1964 when they found it.

[@brentlucke8713]

@@GamingUniversityUoG This is true. Perhaps it was more futurist or modernism at the time inviting the FBC in, then shifted to Brutalism to reflect the bureaucratic nature of the agency or the oppressive nature of The Board consolidating power within... or I'm just talking over my own head.

[@dannyg4383]

The bureau should just drink the coconut all up!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

not just some, but all the coconut!

[@simonevo9743]

I think we all are overthinking who the Board really is. My theory, which I had from the start, is that the Board is just that, the Board of Directors, i.e. the collective consciousness of every former Service Weapon wielder coalescing in the Astral Plane, ATLA style. As such, they have no real power over The Oldest House, only over Service Weapon and the Hotline. I don't think they are actively malicious, but their goals are definitely shady, if we look at their involvement with Northmoor. They influenced him to move FBC inside The Oldest House, and it seems their goal (or at least a part of it) is to amass a large number of OoPs inside and bound to the Director they control? They tried it with Northmoor but we know how it turned out. This might have been what drove The Former to rebel and back out of the plan and start to amass Altered Items bound to himself. This, at least to me, implies that The Former is trying to prepare a countermeasure in case of either the Board succeeding, or another Director developing a God complex like Northmoor did. But before any of that came to fruition, the Hiss came into play (the Board's inability to resist it in any way other that pumping Jesse with raw power is also noteworthy, if it is just human consciousness amalgamation it would explain the ease with which the Hiss was able to almost corrupt it). So The Oldest House really isn't theirs, and there is truth in the comparison of them as the House's parasites. What still remains a mystery is, why The Former looks the way it does, and what Ahti's role in all of this is. If he's really the personification of the House or connected to it in any other way, does him addressing the Director as "his helper" imply the House tolerates the Board and its influence over FBC? And on that note, was the plan to use Northmoor as the House's power plant coined by the Board, Ahti, or both?

[@Whoo_shem]

But Director Trench called Northmoor the most powerful & the most talented of all directors. Yet there were no Prime Candidates ready to take over Directorship. But then Dr Ash says Northmoor was a blindman following orders. Dr Ash's tapes make him the victim, we gravitate towards him because he is sort of an Underdog. The real question is, is the Oldest House crying out for help? As a child Jesse begged her Psychiatrist to go to the FBC (oldest house) to go look for Dylan. Was her situation going to help the Oldest House sort its mess out?

[@MCSaeid]

Thorough and amazing.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed.

[@crisschan2463]

i am late to this but i just recently finished the whole game + 2 dlc now to think that oldest house pleads a help, is it safe to say that the hiss is part of the contract? what i mean is that, maybe the oldest house reach to any dimension it can to plead help because it also strucks me that what marshall does to destroy the nail, by extension, to also destroy the board seems fitting to what the oldest house needed to accomplish great video btw, i just stumble upon this and binge watch this whole playlist i hope to see this again when alan wake 2 is released this year

[@CallMeKes]

I'm surprised there was no mention to the fact that the Nail has an inverted pyramid in it's negative space at the top.

[@PhilieBlunt666]

Yah this game has one of the most enthralling stories/lore of any game in the last 10 years atleast.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It is ridiculous how much is packed into this story. Like they created an entire universe in one game.

[@PhilieBlunt666]

@@GamingUniversityUoG holy crap yes, and your videos on it are tops my dude!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks man!

[@peterfazio9306]

I'm curious how both Trench and Northmoor are the only ones able to access a direct line of communication with the Board and yet they both became corrupted by the Hiss. What am I missing here?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Well Trench got infected inside the Burned Slide Threshold. Also he didn't fully trust the Board and it is somewhat implied he ignored their calls on occasion. As for Northmoor, he was locked away in the NSC with nothing to protect him

[@hunn20004]

I feel like the board was meek while we were in the foundation...as if they were vulnerable somehow

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I think they were. The broken Nail likely caused their hold on their House to loosen. They were freakening out based upon my assessment.

[@moralfuxery]

Idk what it is. But Remedy has a no so subtle dig at politicians in this game. Every main enemy that emerged in this lore was based in the Directors seat, with a subordinate reaching for the greater good against them.

[@TravisAlanHall]

We have a board , bound to a house, by a nail... where’s the hammer?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

We'll see!

[@Rhythme18]

Great work on video and bringing out important details Watching the vid solved some answers and now more questions . The house is conscience but it also has it own worries. Which makes me think if the house is gateway to other dimensions is there somewhere where this house can access that the board looking for access too can't like a sealed or lost dimension? Are us humans dangerous because we are making objects of power and have so much access to other dimensions that we can be seen as a threat . Maybe because our imgination makes us perfect candidates to be ruled because we have high amounts of paratiilains and are able to harnest that power? Better yet there war being fought and board are just one of many because the darkness has plans because it fused with the hiss who are also on take over agenda.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm glad I could help! There are so many questions about this universe works that I dont think we'll reach the end of it anytime soon. As far as the Board to the house, I think one hotline call mentions it is a lifeline of some kind. That like all parasites it needs it to survive.

[@pedropgrahl]

why does the board members are represented as humanoid figures on those drawings at the foundation and the Former is that alien thing, also being represented as such? Why does the only one thats different is the one that is no longer part of the board

[@zekaizerguy1181]

Does Ash speak with any particular accent? I love his voice, but I'm unsure about whether or not he even has one, or if it's just the way he talks.

[@Zuroslav]

What I don't get is hhow is the FBC able to build structures like NSC, the pnematic communication pipes, the plumbing and electricity wiring in a place that constantly shifts around. For example the panopticon, did they stumble upon a big circular room like that and build a huge crane in the middle there or did they shape it somehow?

[@elenafriese891]

Maybe they've figured out how to ask nicely?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Entirely possible the House shifted to make room for them. Or they waited until it was in a good shape before using the Control Points to stabilize them and keep them that way.

[@elenafriese891]

@@GamingUniversityUoG or found a way to convince the house that additions were just that- additions, not foreign material, and thus they just shift with the house?

[@OopsieBoopsies]

exiting video.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks buddy!